Rejecting party request to delay motion hearing, explaining why judge “simply ha[s] to keep [his] civil motions calendar moving,” and why telephonic hearings are workable. Wachovia Bank Judges Letter (D. Minn. March 24, 2020)
Transcript of proceedings before Magistrate Judge Sunil R. Harjani in which judge favors use of video depositions over cancellations. County of Cook v. Bank of America Corp. et al. (March 12, 2020)
Observing that “the medical community is very, very busy right now,” orders parties to meet and confer to determine whether outstanding medical provider depositions are in fact needed; institutes COVID-related protocol requiring proponent of deposition to report to court information regarding proposed deponent, including anticipated involvement in preparation or response to COVID-related public health efforts,…
(available at 2020 WL 1322850) Orders parties to meet and confer to determine which medical provider depositions should go forward; institutes COVID-related protocol requiring proponent of deposition to report to court information regarding proposed deponent, including anticipated involvement in preparation or response to COVID-related public health efforts, and relative importance to case. Lipsey v. Walmart,…
Rejecting parties’ stipulation attempting to extend discovery deadlines in light of COVID-19, finding that “[n]either party has explained that they have attempted to use all available means, including video and telephone conferencing and electronic and telephonic communication, to complete discovery, nor have they provided any specific difficulties they have encountered that prevents them from proceeding…
Denies defendants’ unopposed motion to stay dates for discovery until at least May 15, noting that “many sectors of society are being forced to adapt,” and instead extends the deadlines for discovery by four weeks in light of logistical challenges. In re Duramax Diesel Litigation Order Denying Motion for Stay of Discovery Dates but Providing…
Denying Defendants’ Motion to Compel Appearance of Plaintiff for Deposition in Louisiana and approving conducting Plaintiff’s deposition by telephone or videoconference, finding extreme hardship with respect to travel for Plaintiff’s deposition given Plaintiff’s economic situation and the coronavirus outbreak. Thomas v. Wallace (M.D. La. March 18, 2020)
Denying a motion to extend discovery beyond June due to COVID-19 in patent case, without prejudice. Infernal Technology v. Sony (E.D. Tx. March 27, 2020)
Denying motion to quash deposition notices, finding depositions can be taken remotely by video. Hecker v. Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority, et al. (E.D. Va., Mar. 23, 2020)